Black Enterprise and the City of Columbus held a press conference the other day to discuss the second straight year that the BE Entrepreneurs Conference is being held in Columbus.

Black Enterprise President and CEO Earl Butch Graves Jr. spoke about the event and the excitement surrounding Columbus and the Entrepreneurs Conference.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we return to Columbus for the second consecutive year to present the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo, hosted by Nationwide Insurance. We are even more thrilled to be a partner and supporter of Mayor Coleman’s and the City of Columbus’ recognition of Minority Business Empowerment Week, during which our Entrepreneurs Conference takes place. As you know, Ohio is home to more than a dozen companies represented on our B.E. 100s rankings of the nation’s largest black-owned businesses. From May 14–17, the CEOs of these companies, as well as hundreds of other entrepreneurs from across the country, will converge on the city of Columbus to build relationships, identify opportunities, learn and adopt best practices, do deals and, most of all, grow their companies.’

Join the Small Business Revolution by registering NOW for the 2014 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo hosted by Nationwide Insurance, May 14–17, at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, Ohio, – with confirmed speakers including entertainment media mogul T.D. Jakes, CEO of TDJ Enterprisesand Valerie Daniels-Carter, president and CEO of V&J Holding Cos., one of the largest women- and African American-owned restaurant franchise operators in the U.S. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. Be sure to enter our Elevator Pitch Competition to qualify for the $10,000 grand prize. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/ec.